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LC 3036

List quail in game bird definition

2025 Regular Session

Formal classification of quail as a Montana game bird to establish hunting seasons, bag limits, and regulatory framework for the species.

(LC) Draft Died in Process
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Bill Summary · LC 3036

Legislative bill overview

Bill LC 3036 proposes to formally include quail in Montana's legal definition of "game bird," which would regulate quail hunting under the state's existing game bird framework. The bill appears to address a gap in current wildlife regulations where quail may not have clear classification status for hunting purposes.

Why is this important

Formally listing quail as a game bird establishes clear hunting seasons, bag limits, and licensing requirements for quail hunters, protecting the species from unregulated harvest while enabling sustainable recreational hunting. This clarification affects hunting regulations, wildlife management budgets, and outdoor recreation access in Montana.

Potential points of contention

  • Hunting access and restrictions: Establishing formal game bird status may either expand or limit where, when, and how many quail can be hunted depending on the specific regulations attached to the classification
  • Wildlife population concerns: Conservation groups might debate whether quail populations in Montana can sustain regulated hunting, or conversely, whether current protections are unnecessarily restrictive
  • Agricultural and property rights: Farmers and landowners may have concerns about how game bird classification affects liability, hunting trespass rules, and crop protection measures on private land

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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